Differences between slate pool table vs non slate [ Briefly ]

Pool is one of the favorite pastimes for a wide number of people globally. They love to spend hours around the table and enjoy the game on their own.

But do you have any generalized idea of how the pool is played, or what is a slate pool table? Well, if you are a beginner, you might lack the sense about what does slate pool table mean.

Wait.

In this post, I will explain the facts and other figures in detail about slate pool table vs non slate. This is all about the pool table, especially slate and non-slate pool tables.

What is a slate pool table?

Slate is a natural material. It is not available everywhere. In fact, this a moderately precious material that we use to prepare pool tables. Manufacturers and individuals use this rock as they are durable.

The most important issue is the surface. Slate has a smooth surface which is the most important factor. Unless the table surface is smooth and straight, this is not possible to take the shots ideally. Moreover, the smooth surface also prevents bouncing of the cue balls. And you can send them in any direction you want.

What is non-slate pool table?

Simply, those tables which are not from the slate are the non-slate pool tables. They are available almost everywhere. You can see wood, metals or MDF tables around. Those materials are cheaper and also durable to some extent. In fact, you can use them in your billiard table as those materials are always available in your surrounding areas.

Besides, they are wallet-friendly, and the table beds are thicker too.

Which one is better – slate pool table vs non slate?

Well, this is a million-dollar question. In fact, all the types of pool tables are up to the mark. They are made with great care and efforts so that the players can enjoy the matches. However, there are some key differences too on slate pool table vs non slate.

So, I will explain the factors here. Be patient and follow the arguments. Finally, you can also be aware of the facts. Here they are.

Performance of slate bed in a pool table

A slate table is picked from the rock. Then it is processed to make the surface smoother. Finally, the slate table gets the look as you see it on the pool playing centers. The performance level is optimum.

When you strike on a ball, it moves in the right direction. There are no bounces or any distortion. Besides, the ball can hit the target without any misdirection. It happens due to the mechanical honing of the surface.

Durability of the slate is the other prime feature to love it most. The usual materials may decay and wear, but slate will serve you for a more extended period. Being a rock, generally slate is more durable than the objects like wood, board or other metals.

And if you want to hold a championship or competition, slate is the first choice of everyone.

Performance of non-slate pool tables

I cannot guarantee that the non-slate pool tables will perform like the slates. Most of the cases, wood paly the vital role in making the pool table. The mainstream commercial pool manufacturers use wood in their table.

The key reason is the lower cost. But they also need to decorate the board with velvet and other materials to make them look beautiful. The overall performance is excellent, and they can also serve for years. But decaying with time is a drawback.

When you are for repair, the process becomes troublesome. In fact, this is not easy to carry an over six-feet table towards the repair shop.

Besides, you can also use MDF materials as the pool table. The meaning of MDF is simple – medium-density fiberboard. They are lightweight and cheaper too. Repairing those tables is not a big deal. Interestingly, you can fold them up once the game is over and store the table in a convenient place.

Benefits of slate tables

Accuracy is the key benefit of slate tables. If you take a shot aiming to the red ball, you can hit it if you are on the slate table. The ball will move in the right direction with accuracy.

On the other part, you will enjoy a smooth surface on the slate beds. The sheets on the slate table belong to the top quality. In a nutshell, the overall experience is up to the mark. So, when you are in a championship or any professional match, you can see the slate table.

Slates are not prone to temperature change. They will have the same performance round the year. Regardless of cold season or summer, you can play pool, billiard or snooker on the same table. It will not be damp or wet. You can enjoy excellent performance.

Demerits of slate tables 

Well, nothing in the world comes with benefits alone. The slate tables have their demerits as well. They are heavier in size and shape. So, if you need to repair the table, it may cause you trouble. Moreover, you will need a strong base to support the slate table.

Using weak based may result in the collapse of the table. And chances of injuries and untoward incidents are higher too.

Moreover, the price is a bit more than the usual pool tables. A saying goes that with the price of a single slate table, you can have a couple of wood and metal pool tables.

Advantages of non-slate pool tables

The real advantage of the non-slate pool tables is that it is lightweight. Moreover, you can customize the table considering your needs. Storing the table is not difficult. If you customize the table, you can fold it or store it conveniently.

At the same time, you can have several other options too. You can have the tables in different colors, and the rails could also be different. Addition of cabinet is another impressive idea for the non-slate pool tables.

Affordability is another option that you will not have with the slate. You can only have it with the non-slate materials. Based on your budget, you can avail different levels of quality with the non-slate materials like wood, metals and others.

Design of the non-slate pool tables is attractive too. Customization of the model is an essential aspect of such tables. You can make the design following your needs or choice.

Drawbacks of non-slate pool tables

The non-slate pool tables also come with some demerits as well. Many of the professionals have sorted out that they are less durable than slates. As they are not from top quality materials, they are prone to climatic change and weather. Besides, they also decay quickly and can get damaged for no reason at all.

Besides, you will not get the advantages of playing on a slate surface. The shots may not reach to your direction. Even the surface velvet may wrap in the middle of a game. The playing area may not be on a level. All are irritating issues to players.

I am in the last phase of this post. And I think making this post longer will invite your irritation. Thus, I’m cutting it short.

So far, I have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the slate and non-slate pool tables. Each of the categories has its advantages and disadvantages. But I have a particular view.

After reading the post, I think you now know what a slate table is or what does slate pool table mean. And the information here has made you aware about the right one.

However, my views might differ with yours. I personally believe that if you want to get a durable table with the best level of performance, it is wise to get the slate tables. And if you are short in budget, you can opt for the non-slate pool table.